If you are transiting Germany en route to other countries, know all entry and exit requirements for your final destination. Incorrect documentation might cause you to be denied boarding for your connecting flight. Travelers have also been delayed or refused entry to the Schengen zone for missing an onward non-tourism visa for their stay in another country - even if the appropriate visa is available upon arrival in the traveler’s final Schengen country. If you are denied boarding for either of these reasons, you will need sufficient funds and a return airline ticket or an itinerary that does not require entry into the Schengen zone.

We are unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to, or foreign residents of Germany.

Demonstrations occur regularly in Germany. Large, public demonstrations take place for a variety of political and economic issues. Demonstrations tend to take place on politically significant holidays like German Labor Day (May 1) and during international summits hosted in Germany.

Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.

Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.

Check local media for updates on the situation and traffic advisories.

Security messages issued regarding demonstrations are now posted on the U.S. Mission to Germany’s website.

CRIME: Violent crime is rare in Germany, but can occur, especially in larger cities or high-risk areas such as on large metropolitan subway systems and in train stations, primarily during late night or early morning hours. Most incidents of street crime involve the theft of unattended items and pick-pocketing. Pay close attention to your valuables at all times.

Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

U.S. citizens should exercise caution when congregating in known expatriate hangouts.

Hooligans, most often drunken “skinheads,” have harassed and attacked perceived foreigners or members of rival groups.

Seemingly racially-motivated assaults (because of a “foreign” appearance) against U.S. citizens have occurred. This could be further exacerbated by the arrival of more than one million refugees to Germany since 2015.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. They are illegal to bring back into the United States, and you could also be breaking local law.

Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events. Civil unions are legal for same-sex couples; same-sex marriage is not available in Germany. The LGBTI community is protected by federal anti-discrimination laws and LGBTI Pride events are officially encouraged by most large city governments, including those in Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Munich. Seeour LGBTI travel information page and section 6 of the Department of State's Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: While in Germany, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation different from what is found in the United States. Many existing buildings and public transportation systems are less adapted to individuals with disabilities.

Check your hotel or destination to learn more about options to accommodate disabled traveler needs before visiting Germany.

Medical Care and Facilities:Germany has good medical care and facilities. If you are not a resident of Germany, doctors and hospitals may expect immediate payment in cash. Most doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies do not accept credit cards.

Prescription Medications: Due to Germany’s strict customs regulations, you are not allowed to receive prescription medication by mail without special permission. For more information, please visit the German customs website regarding medicine.

On your trip, only carry the amount of medication you plan to use.

Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Road Conditions and Safety: German road conditions in general are excellent, although road conditions can be significantly different from those in the United States. Exercise caution while traveling on older roads in eastern Germany.

Drivers should be aware that traffic signs in Germany differ from those in the United States, and it is important to be familiar with road signage prior to driving. Basic information about road signs in Germany is available here. Speed limits are posted on large stretches of the highway, or Autobahn, in urban areas or when the road has many curves.

Driver error is a leading cause of accidents involving U.S. citizen motorists in Germany.

Bicycles: German streets and sidewalks have dedicated bike lanes. Bicycles have priority use of bike lanes over pedestrians and automobiles.

Bicyclists also have priority over cars when turning onto side streets. If you are driving, check whether a bicyclist is approaching from either direction before attempting to enter side streets, even when the light is in your favor.

You will be held responsible for any injury or damage caused if you turn into a side street and hit a bicyclist using a marked bike lane.

If you are walking, watch for bicyclists before crossing or stepping into bike lanes.

Traffic Laws:Except on priority roads, vehicles coming from the right have the right-of-way.

It is generally illegal in Germany to pass vehicles on the right.

It is illegal to operate a vehicle if the blood alcohol level is 0.05% or higher.

You may be fined and your driver’s license may be suspended for specified periods of time depending upon the gravity of each violation.

Public Transportation: Germany has an extensive and safe public transportation network consisting of buses, streetcars, trains, and subways. Metered taxis are also prevalent throughout Germany, although taxis generally do not accept credit cards. Use common sense safety practices, such as guarding valuables and remaining aware of your surroundings, on all public transportation.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Germany’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Germany’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

DISCLAIMER

DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE TOTALLY ACCURATE IN A SPECIFIC CASE. QUESTIONS INVOLVING INTERPRETATION OF SPECIFIC FOREIGN LAWS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE APPROPRIATE FOREIGN AUTHORITIES OR FOREIGN COUNSEL.

Defense Requests in Criminal Matters: Criminal defendants or their defense counsel seeking judicial assistance in obtaining evidence or in effecting service of documents abroad in connection with criminal matters may do so via the letters rogatory process.

Voluntary depositions may be conducted in Germany before a U.S. consular officer only at the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt. Bilateral agreements between Germany and the United States require that the German Ministry of Justice pre-approve all requests for depositions. Depositions taken without the prior approval of the German Ministry of Justice and/or without the involvement of the United States Mission to Germany are unauthorized and may lead to criminal penalties against the participants. In addition, the German Ministry of Justice requires that all depositions take place on U.S. Consulate grounds and that the oaths be administered by a U.S. Consul. See specific guidance prepared by the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt regarding German requirements for the taking of depositions. When permission is granted by the German Ministry of Justice, voluntary depositions may be taken at the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt either on notice or pursuant to a commission. Details on the procedures may be found on the U.S. Mission to Germany’s website.

Germany and the United States have been treaty partners under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention) since December 1, 1990.

For information concerning travel to Germany, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Germany.

The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA). The report is located here.

ALL /

ALL /

Hague Abduction Convention

The U.S. Department of State serves as the U.S. Central Authority (USCA) for the Hague Abduction Convention. In this capacity, the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children's Issues facilitates the submission of applications under the Hague Abduction Convention for the return of, or access to, children located in countries that are U.S. treaty partners, including Germany. Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance prior to initiating the Hague process directly with the foreign Central Authority.

Contact information:

U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children's Issues
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Telephone: 1-888-407-4747
Outside the United States or Canada: 1-202-501-4444
Website: travel.state.gov

The German Central Authority (GCA) for the Hague Abduction Convention is the Bundesamt für Justiz, located in the Ministry of Justice. The GCA has an administrative role in processing Hague applications. The Ministry of Justice forwards completed Hague petitions to the appropriate German family court. Among the more than 600 German family courts, only 22 have jurisdiction in proceedings concerning return, access, and recognition and enforcement under the Hague Child Abduction Convention. You can find the list of competent German courts here. Parents or legal guardians and other parties (e.g., the child) have the right to their own counsel.

To initiate a Hague case for return of, or access to, a child in Germany, the USCA encourages a parent or legal guardian to review the eligibility criteria and instructions for completing the Hague application form located at the Department of State website and contact the Department of State for assistance prior to initiating the Hague process directly with the GCA. It is extremely important that each document written in English be translated into German in order to be accepted by a German court. Official documents (court orders, etc.) must be translated by a sworn translator (vereidigter Übersetzer). Letters, statements, and other documentation may be translated unofficially. The USCA is available to answer questions about the Hague application process, to forward a completed application to the GCA, and to subsequently monitor its progress through the foreign administrative and legal processes.

There are no fees for filing Hague applications with either the U.S. or the German central authorities. Attorney fees are the responsibility of the applicant parent. Additional costs may include airplane tickets for court appearances and for the return of the child, if so ordered.

ALL /

ALL /

Return

A parent or legal guardian may file an application under the Hague Abduction Convention for return to the United States of a child abducted to, or wrongfully retained in, Germany. The U.S. Department of State can assist parents living in the United States to understand whether the Convention is an available civil remedy and can provide information on the process for submitting a Hague application.

ALL /

ALL /

Visitation/Access

A person may file an application under the Hague Abduction Convention for access to a child living in Germany. The criteria for acceptance of a Hague access application vary from country to country. The U.S. Department of State can assist parents living in the United States to understand country-specific criteria and provide information on the process for submitting a Hague application.

ALL /

ALL /

Retaining an Attorney

The GCA can appoint an English-speaking attorney with Hague experience to represent left-behind parents in Hague cases. The fee for these legal services is 1500 Euros and must be paid at the time the applicant submits the Hague application. A parent who is unable to pay the fee may apply for German legal aid. Under certain circumstances, legal aid may also be available in cases of international child abduction from some non-governmental organizations, including Weisser Ring. For more information, contact: info@weisser-ring.de.

Parents may also choose to retain private legal counsel in Germany to handle their Hague case. A parent who hires private counsel should notify both the German and the U.S. central authorities.

The U.S. Embassy in Berlin, Germany, posts lists of attorneys, including those who specialize in family law.

This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the persons or firms included in this list. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.

ALL /

ALL /

Mediation

The German federal government is supportive of mediation programs to resolve international parental child abduction cases. While courts cannot order cases into mediation, judges can and do encourage mediated resolutions and can stay hearings to permit parties the time to mediate. In general, social workers, family lawyers, and judges not hearing the case can serve as mediators in their particular geographic region. Fees are normally based on hourly rates, but a sliding scale or negotiated rate is sometimes available.

The German Central Authority and the judge hearing Hague cases work together to identify cases that are potentially suitable for mediated resolutions and make recommendations accordingly. Participation in mediation is voluntary.

Mediation organizations in Germany: Bundes-Arbeitgemeinschaft fur Familien-Mediation (BAMF), or the Federal Consortium for Family Mediation, is a privately-funded mediation organization that has a network of multi-lingual mediators. MiKK (Mediation in international Conflicts involving Parents and Children) is a non-governmental mediation organization that has family mediators fluent in 17 languages.

Exercising Custody Rights

While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent. Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:

Endanger your child and others;

Prejudice any future judicial efforts; and

Could result in your arrest and imprisonment.

The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.

To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.

For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney.

Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.

For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.

Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.

Hague Convention Participation

Hague Adoption Convention Country?

Yes

Are Intercountry Adoptions between this country and the United States possible?

Both adoptions to the United States from Germany and from the United States to Germany are possible.

Is this country a U.S. Hague Partner?

ALL /

ALL /

Hague Convention Information

Germany is a party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(Hague Adoption Convention or Convention). Intercountry adoption processing in Convention countries must be done in accordance with the requirements of the Hague Adoption Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations; as well as the implementing legislation and regulations of Germany.

Germany is generally not considered a country of origin in intercountry adoption. The information provided below is intended primarily to assist in rare adoption cases from Germany. This information may also be useful to U.S. citizens living in Germany considering adoptions from Germany or other countries.

Note: If any of the following occurred prior to April 1, 2008, (the date on which the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force with respect to the United States), the Hague Adoption Convention may not apply to your adoption: 1) you filed a Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, identifying Germany as the country where you intended to adopt and the approval is still valid; 2) you filed a Form I-600,Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, on behalf of a child from Germany, or 3) the adoption was completed. Under these circumstances, your adopted child’s adoption could continue to be processed as a non-Convention intercountry adoption, provided the child’s country of origin agrees. For more information, read about Hague Transition Cases. Please contact adoption@state.gov with the details of the case if this situation applies to you.

U.S. Immigration Requirements For Intercountry Adoptions

To bring an adopted child to the United States from Germany, you must meet certain suitability and eligibility requirements. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), determines who is suitable and eligible to adopt a child from another country and bring that child to live in the United States under U.S. immigration law.

Additionally, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee under U.S. immigration law in order to immigrate to the United States with an IH-3 or IH-4 immigrant visa.

ALL /

ALL /

Who Can Adopt

In addition to being found suitable and eligible to adopt by USCIS, prospective adoptive parents seeking to adopt a child from Germany must meet the following requirements of Germany:

Residency: There are no residency requirements to adopt a child from Germany. There is no restriction on the nationality or citizenship of the adopting parent. Germany allows non-Germans to adopt a German child. U.S. citizens who are resident in Germany may apply to adopt from other countries through the German intercountry adoption process. These prospective adoptive parents may contact the relevant central authority for the area of their residence in order to initiate the process.

Age of Adopting Parents: The minimum age for an adopting parent is 25 years old. However, in the case of an adoption of a stepchild, the lower age limit of the adopting parent is 21 years. In the case of a joint adoption by a married couple, one of the partners must be at least 25 years old and the other at least 21 years old. There is no legal upper age limit of an adopting parent. If a child is being adopted in Germany by foreign parents, the court has the right to take age restrictions in the laws of the parents’ home country into consideration. Although there is no statutory limit, pursuant to a recommendation by the Federal Working Group of the State Youth Welfare Offices, the age gap between the adopting parents and the child being adopted should not be greater than 40 years.

Marriage: We have received the following information from the German Central Authority: An adoption is open to a single person as well as to one partner in an unmarried couple or to one partner in a registered partnership of a same-sex couple. A joint adoption by two partners of a couple is only allowed for married couples. In turn, married couples may, as a rule, only adopt jointly. As an exception to that rule one partner of a married couple has got the legal possibility to adopt the other partner’s child (biological or adopted before the marriage) without severing the ties between this partner and the child. Since 2005, same-sex couples have got the opportunity to enter into a registered partnership. The registration opens up the possibility to adopt one registered partner’s child by the other partner without severing the ties between that partner and the child. This is the case for a biological child as well as for an adopted child, regardless of whether the child was adopted before or after registration of the partnership.”

Income: There are no specific income requirements related to adoption.

Other: None.

ALL /

ALL /

Who Can Be Adopted

Because Germany is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Germany must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for intercountry adoption. For example, the adoption may take place only if the competent authorities of Germany have determined that placement of the child within Germany has been given due consideration and that an intercountry adoption is in the child’s best interests.

In addition to qualifying as a Convention adoptee under U.S. immigration law, a child must meet the following requirements of Germany:

Relinquishment: The parents of the child must provide consent to the adoption; this consent cannot be accepted by the court if the child is less than eight weeks of age. If the child is over eight weeks old and under the age of 14, the child’s legal guardian (sometimes, but not always, the parents) must also consent to the adoption on the child’s behalf. If the child is over the age of 14, s/he must personally consent to the adoption, with the concurrence of his/her legal guardian. In the case of children born out of wedlock, the biological father can surrender parental rights and consent to the adoption any time after conception and prior to the child’s birth. In this case, the mother must still wait until the child is eight weeks old to consent to adoption.
As an additional requirement in cases where the citizenship of the adopting parent and the child being adopted are different, this consent has to be approved by the family court. However, it does not apply in the case of a domestic adoption subject to German law.

Abandonment: Consent is not required from a parent whose whereabouts are unknown (the court will determine the whereabouts unknown after six months of searching unsuccessfully). In addition, the court may waive the need for parental consent in several circumstances, including those related to the parent’s treatment of the child and the parent’s mental capacity.
Ultimately, the courts will look at each case individually to determine if consent of a biological parent is needed.

Age of Adoptive Child: A person can be adopted at any age. Parents must wait until the child is eight weeks of age before consenting to adoption. Adoption of a person who has reached age 18, the age of majority in Germany, must be justifiable.Please note that in order for a child to meet the definition of Convention adopteeunder U.S. immigration law, a Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative, must be filed on the child’s behalf while the child is under the age of 16 (or under the age of 18 if the child is the birth sibling of another adopted child who has immigrated or will immigrate based on adoption by the same adoptive parent(s)). Please see the USCIS website for special rules on filing dates for children aged 15-16 or siblings aged 17-18.

Sibling Adoptions: Sibling relationships are given consideration in adoption proceedings, but are considered on a case-by-case basis, with particular emphasis given to the positive or negative nature of the relationship between the siblings.

Special Needs or Medical Conditions: On a case-by-case basis, the court may require evidence that an adopting family is aware of and able to cope with a child’s special needs and may require families to submit to follow up assessment.

Waiting Period or Foster Care: Typically, the child must live with the prospective adoptive parents for a probationary period prior to the court issuing the adoption order.

Other: None.

Caution: Prospective adoptive parents should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children’s homes are available for adoption. In many countries, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an orphanage or children’s home due to financial or other hardship, intending that the child return home when possible. In such cases, the birth parent(s) have rarely relinquished their parental rights or consented to the adoption of their child(ren).

ALL /

ALL /

How to Adopt

Warning: Do not adopt or obtain legal custody of a child in Germany before:

USCIS has approved your Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country,

The Central Authority of Germany has determined the child is available for intercountry adoption,

USCIS has provisionally approved your Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative, and

A U.S. consular officer has issued an “Article 5/17 Letter” in the case. Read on for more information.

Germany’s Central Adoption AuthorityThere is no centralized court system governing adoption cases in Germany. However, adoptions are governed by federal law. The main point of contact is:

Note: Special transition provisions may apply to adoptions initiated before April 1, 2008. Read about Hague Transition Cases.

The Process

Because Germany is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adoptions from Germany must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention’s requirements. A brief summary of the Convention adoption process is provided below. You must complete these steps in the following order to meet all necessary legal requirements. Adoptions completed out of order may result in the child not being eligible for an immigrant visa to the United States.

Note: For residents of Germany who wish to adopt a child and remain in Germany, the process is different. Persons wishing to adopt a child in Germany should contact either one of the following institutions:

Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) of each district/major city

Youth Welfare Office (Landesjugendamt) of each German state (Bundesland)

In addition, there are also a few private non-profit adoption agencies arranging non-international adoptions. Youth Welfare Offices (Landesjugendämter) provide contact information. The details of the Youth Welfare Offices can be found on the website of the German Central Authority according to the 1993 Hague Convention on International Adoption (www.bundesjustizamt.de/auslandsadoption, section “Anschriften”).

1. Choose a U.S. Accredited or Approved Adoption Service Provider to Act as Your Primary Provider

The first step in adopting a child from Germany is to select an adoption service provider in the United States that has been accredited or approved to provide services to U.S. citizens in Convention cases. A primary provider must be identified in each Convention case and only accredited or approved adoption service providers may act as the primary provider in your case. Your primary provider is responsible for:

Ensuring that all six adoption services defined at 22 CFR 96.2 are provided consistent with applicable laws and regulations;

Supervising and being responsible for supervised providers where used (see 22 CFR 96.14); and

Developing and implementing a service plan in accordance with 22 CFR 96.44.

3. Apply to Germany’s Authorities to Adopt and be Matched with a Child

Submit Your Dossier to the Central AuthorityAfter USCIS determines that you are suitable and eligible to adopt and approves the Form I-800A application, your adoption service provider will provide your approval notice, home study, and any other required information to the adoption authority in Germany as part of your adoption application. Germany’s adoption authority will review your application to determine whether you are also suitable and eligible to adopt under Germany’s law.

Receive a Referral for a Child from the Central AuthorityIf both the United States and Germany determine that you are suitable and eligible to adopt, and Germany’s Central Authority for Convention adoptions has determined that a child is available for adoption and that intercountry adoption is in that child’s best interests, the Central Authority for Convention adoptions in Germany may provide you with a referral for a child. The referral is a proposed match between you and a specific child based on a review of your dossier and the needs of the child. The adoption authority in Germany will provide a background study and other information, if available, about the child to help you decide whether to accept the referral or not. We encourage families to consult with a medical professional and their adoption service provider to understand the needs of the specific child but family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs of, and provide a permanent home for, a specific child and must conform to the recommendations in the home study submitted to USCIS for the number of children and capacity to deal with any special needs of an adoptive child Learn more about Health Considerations. If you accept the referral, the adoption service provider communicates that to the central authority in Germany. Learn more about this critical decision.

4. Apply to USCIS for the Child to be Found Provisionally Eligible for Immigration to the United States as a Convention Adoptee and Receive U.S. Agreement to Proceed with the Adoption

Submit a Petition for a Determination on the Child’s Immigration EligibilityAfter you accept a match with a child, you will apply to USCIS for provisional approval for the child to immigrate to the United States by filing the Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative. USCIS will make a provisional determination as to whether the child appears to meet the definition of a Convention adopteeand will likely be eligible to enter and remain in the United States.

Submit an Immigrant Visa ApplicationAfter provisional approval of Form I-800 petition, you or your adoption service provider will submit a visa application to the consular section of the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt responsible for issuing immigrant visas to children from Germany.

You should receive a letter from the National Visa Center (NVC) confirming receipt of the provisionally approved Form I-800 petition and assigning a case number and an invoice ID number. Use this information to log into the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) to file the Electronic Immigrant Visa Application (DS-260) for your child. An adoptive parent should fill out these forms in your child's name. Answer every item on the form. If information is not applicable, please write “N/A” in the block. Please review the DS-260 FAQs, our Online Immigrant Visa Forms page, or contact the NVC at NVCAdoptions@state.gov or +1-603-334-0700 if you have questions about completing the online DS-260 form. A consular officer will review the provisionally approved Form I-800 petition and the visa application and, if applicable, advises you of options for the waiver of any ineligibilities related to the visa application.

The consular officer will send a letter (referred to as an “Article 5/17 Letter”) to Germany’s Central Authority in any intercountry adoption involving U.S. citizen parents and a child from Germany if all Convention requirements are met and the child appears eligible to immigrate to the United States. This letter will inform the Germany’s Central Authority that the parents are suitable and eligible to adopt, that the child appears eligible to enter and reside permanently in the United States, and that the U.S. Central Authority agrees that the adoption may proceed.

Warning: Do not attempt to adopt (or obtain custody) of a child in Germany before you receive provisional approval of your Form I-800 petition AND a U.S. consular officer issues the “Article 5/17 Letter” for your adoption case.

Remember: The consular officer will make a final decision about a child’s eligibility for an immigrant visa later in the adoption process.

5. Adopt the Child in Germany (or Obtain Legal Custody of Child for Purposes of Emigration and Adoption of the Child)

Remember: Before you adopt (or obtain legal custody of) a child in Germany, you must have completed the above four steps. Only after completing these steps can you proceed to finalize the adoption (or a grant of legal custody by Germany for the purposes of emigration and adoption).

The process for finalizing the adoption (or obtaining legal custody) in Germany generally includes the following:

Role of Adoption Authority: Each of Germany’s 16 Federal States has a central adoption agency that oversees intercountry adoptions.

Role of the Court: The Family Court (Familiengericht) hears an application for an order to change the legal status to that of parent and child and, if appropriate, issues such an order. The court must investigate and review all relevant facts, including information from the adoption agency or public authority involved and the child (as permitted by age).

Role of Adoption Agencies: Adoption services are provided by public youth welfare agencies as well as private, nonprofit agencies that have been qualified to provide adoption services in international adoptions under Germany’s Adoption Placement Act. The adoption agency is responsible for key aspects of the adoption process, including providing information to the family court on the prospective adoptive parents.

Time Frame: After an investigation and interview, the Jugendamt issues an initial approval valid for two years. There is no specific time frame for the adoption process. It varies from case to case and primarily depends upon the duration of the qualifying process and/or the difficulty of identifying a child for adoption. The paperwork and investigation process generally takes between four and nine months. A foster period is required to adopt a German child. By law the foster period should be “adequate in length.” The court will decide in each case individually whether a parent-child-relationship between the adopting parent and the child to be adopted has been developed.

Adoption Application: For both domestic and intercountry adoption, the prospective adoptive parent(s) must first approach one of four sources for an initial consultation: 1) either one of the youth offices listed above, 2) the German Central Authority for intercountry adoption, 3) the Central Authority in the country of the child’s habitual abode, or 4) an intercountry adoption agency. After a favorable evaluation, the parents will be subject to a home study by their local youth welfare office. The translated home study will be sent to the adoption authority office. When a child has been identified, the adopting parent(s) and the child’s legal guardian sign an agreement before a German court or notary public. Before the family court decides if the adoption may take place and issues the final decree, the adopting parent(s) have to prove that the child will be lawfully admitted into their home country.

Adoption Fees: In the adoption services contract that you sign at the beginning of the adoption process, your agency will itemize the fees and estimated expenses related to your adoption process.

Prospective adoptive parents are advised to obtain detailed receipts for all fees and donations paid, either directly or through your U.S. adoption service provider, and to raise any concerns regarding any payment that you believe may be contrary to the Convention, U.S. law, or the law of Germany with your adoption service provider. Please also refer to information concerning the Hague Complaint Registry. Improper payments may have the appearance of buying a child, violate applicable law, and could put all future adoptions in Germany at risk. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, for instance, makes it unlawful to bribe foreign government officials to obtain or retain business. Further, the IAA makes it unlawful to improperly influence relinquishment of parental rights, parental consent relating to adoption of a child, or a decision by an entity performing Central Authority functions.

In the adoption services contract that you sign at the beginning of the adoption process, your agency will itemize the fees and estimated expenses related to your adoption process.

Documents Required: Both the German Youth Welfare Department (Jugendamt) and the adoption agencies require the following documents at the start of the adoption process:

Authentication of Documents: You may be asked to provide proof that a document from the United States is authentic. If so, the Department of State, Authentications Office has information on the subject.

Note: The United States and Germany are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. U.S. public documents may be authenticated with Apostilles by the appropriate U.S. Competent Authority.

6. Apply for a U.S. Immigrant Visa for Your Child andBring Your Child Home

Now that your adoption is complete (or you have obtained legal custody of the child for the purposes of emigration and adoption of the child in the United States), there are a few more steps to take before your child can head home. Specifically, you need to apply for three documents before your child can travel to the United States:

Birth CertificateIf you have finalized the adoption in Germany, you will firstneed to apply for a birth certificate for your child so that you can later apply for a passport.

If you have been granted custody for the purposes of emigration and adoption of the child in the United States, the birth certificate you obtain will, in most cases, not yet include your name.

Birth certificates are issued by the Standesamt (City Registrar) in the locality where the child was born. Adopting parents need to present the final adoption decree, their marriage certificate, and both of their birth certificates with the application. For any documents not originating in Germany, the document must bear an Apostille from Hague convention countries or an authentication from non-Hague countries. In all cases of unmarried couples, single parents or same-sex relationships documents requirements vary and should be verified with the local authorities prior to application.

German PassportYour child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or passport from Germany.

German passports are issued by the Passstelle (Passport Branch) at the local Standesamt (City Registrar). To obtain a German passport, the adopting parents must present the final adoption decree, the child’s German birth certificate in his/her adoptive name, one biometric photograph of the child, and valid proof of identity for both parents. Both parents must provide written consent to the issuance of the passport until the age of 16. Any child over the age of 6 must also be present to be fingerprinted.

U.S. Immigrant VisaAfter you obtain the new birth certificate and passport for your child, you also need to finalize your application for a U.S. visa for your child from the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt, Germany. After the adoption (or custody for purposes of emigration and adoption) is granted, visit the U.S Consulate for a final review of the case, and if applicable, the issuance of a U.S. Hague Adoption Certificate or Hague Custody Certificate, the final approval of the Form I-800 petition, and to obtain your child’s immigrant visa. This immigrant visa allows your child to travel home with you and be admitted to the United States as your child. As part of this process, you must provide the consular officer with the Panel Physician’s medical report on the child if you did not provide it during the provisional approval stage. Read more about the Medical Examination.

Before coming for your child’s immigrant visa interview, please be sure to complete an Electronic Immigrant Visa Application (DS-260) online at the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).You should receive a letter from the National Visa Center (NVC) confirming receipt of the provisionally approved Form I-800 petition and assigning a case number and an invoice ID number. You will need this information to log into CEAC to file the DS-260 for your child. An adoptive parent should fill out these forms in your child's name. Answer every item on the form. If information is not applicable, please write “N/A” in the block. Print and bring the DS-260 form confirmation page to the visa interview. Please review the DS-260 FAQs, our Online Immigrant Visa Forms page, or contact the NVC at NVCAdoptions@state.gov or +1-603-334-0700 if you have questions about completing the online DS-260 form.

Visa issuance after the final interview generally takes at least 24 hours. It is usually not possible to provide a visa on the same day as the immigrant visa interview. Adoptive parents should verify current processing times with the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt before making final travel arrangements.

Child Citizenship Act

For adoptions finalized abroad prior to the child’s entry into the United States: An adopted child residing in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence generally will acquire U.S. citizenship automatically upon entry into the United States if the child otherwise meets the requirements of the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, including the child is under the age of eighteen.

For adoptions finalized after the child’s entry into the United States: You will need to complete an adoption following your child’s entry into the United States and before the child turns eighteen for the child (if he or she otherwise meets the requirements of the Child Citizenship Act of 2000) to automatically acquire U.S. citizenship.

Applying for Your U.S. PassportU.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. Once your child has acquired U.S. citizenship, s/he will need a U.S. passport for any international travel. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.

Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The Department of State’s Passport Application Wizard will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print—all in one place.

Obtaining a Visa to Travel to GermanyIn addition to a U.S. passport, you may also need to obtain a visa to travel abroad. Where required, visas are affixed to a traveler’s passport and allow him or her to enter a foreign nation. To find information about obtaining a visa for Germany, see the Department of State’s Country Specific Information.

Staying Safe on Your TripBefore you travel, it is always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The Department of State provides Country Specific Information for every country in the world about various issues, including health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.

Staying in Touch on Your TripWhen traveling during the adoption process, we encourage you to enroll with the Department of State through our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country. Enrollment makes it possible for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Germany, to contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency. Whether there is a family emergency in the United States or a crisis in Germany, enrollment assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you.

Post-Adoption/Post-Placement Reporting RequirementsOnce an adoption order has been granted, you are legally the child’s parent with the same rights and responsibilities as if they were born to you. Post-adoption reporting requirements will be determined by a German local authority.

We urge you to comply with Germany’s post-adoption/post-placement requirements in a timely manner. Your adoption service provider may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to that Germany’s history of positive experiences with U.S. citizen adoptive parents.

Post-Adoption ResourcesMany adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. There are many public and private nonprofit post-adoption services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and adoptee organizations active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family, whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services. Your primary provider can provide or point you to post- placement/post-adoption services to help your adopted child and your family transition smoothly and deal effectively with the many adjustments required in an intercountry adoption.

Note: Inclusion of non-U.S. government links does not imply endorsement of content.

COMPLAINTS

If you have concerns about your adoption process, we ask that you share this information with the Consulate in Frankfurt, particularly if it involves possible fraud or misconduct specific to your child’s case. The Department of State takes all allegations of fraud or misconduct seriously. Our Adoption Comment Page provides several points of contact for adoptive families to comment on their adoption service provider, their experience applying for their child’s visa, or about the Form I-800 petition process.

The Hague Complaint Registry is an internet based registry for filing complaints about U.S. accredited or approved adoption service providers. If you think your provider's conduct may have been out of substantial compliance with accreditation standards, first submit your complaint in writing directly to your provider. If the complaint is not resolved through the provider's complaint process, you may file the complaint through the Hague Complaint Registry.

Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee,
number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

A-1

A-2

G-1 through G-4

NATO 1 through NATO 6

An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident. The spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status following the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principle alien’s country of nationality.

Example: John Doe is a national of the country of Z that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. His wife and child are nationals of the country of Y which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as Mr. Doe, the principal visa holder.

The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.

Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

Canadian Nationals

Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

Mexican Nationals

Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

T-2 (spouse)

T-3 (child)

T-4 (parent)

The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

ALL /

ALL /

General Documents

Civil status certificates from former German areas east of Oder and Neisse (boundaries of 1938), now belonging to Poland or Russia, are difficult and sometimes impossible to obtain. After World War II, a number of these documents were returned to Germany. Information regarding these documents can sometimes be requested from local registrars' offices. More detailed information pertaining to these documents can be obtained at the Standesamt I in Berlin, Rueckerstr. 9, 10119 Berlin.

The following substitutes may be used for unavailable personal documents:

The Familienstammbuch which some German families maintain. Births, marriages and deaths are entered in such books, and officially certified at the time of the event;

Extracts from church books and parish registers. Access to or copies of these books can be requested from the following archive offices:

If the desired documents cannot be obtained, these archive offices will furnish a negative response (Negativbescheinigung). In such cases, it is generally recommended that the document-seeker apply for a Familienbuch under the provisions of section 15a of the German Law on Civil Status (Personenstandsgesetz), which is maintained by the civil registrar having jurisdiction over the family's place of residence. The civil registrar issues extracts or copies from these books that are fully recognized as formal certificates of birth, death, or marriage.

Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Birth Certificates

Available

Fees: There is a fee for each certificate and for any additional copy. The same amount is charged for certificates issued on an "international" form.

Document Name: Geburtsurkunde

Issuing Authority: Local registrar's office (Standesamt) where the birth occurred.

NOTE:For former East Germany, this applies only to those civil status cases that occurred after October 2, 1990. For events occurring prior to this date, documents from this part of Germany are issued by the district office where the event occurred.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Local registrar’s office official seal, signed by the recording official/ white paper/ different formats depending on issuance date

Procedure for Obtaining: The requested certificates are usually mailed out by the registrar's office with the fees being collected on delivery. The applicant may enclose a self-addressed and stamped return envelope and use German postage stamps or a collection-only check for payment.

Alternate Documents: Auszug aus dem Geburtseintrag (extract from birth registration). This document is also issued by the German registration office (Standesamt) where the birth was registered.

Exceptions: None

Comments: In lieu of the birth certificate, you may also request an “Auszug aus dem Geburtenregister” (extract from the birth register). This document is a certified copy of the birth register listing name, date of birth, place of birth, name of parents, in case of adoption, name of adoptive parents.

Death Certificates

Available

Fees: There is a fee for each certificate and for any additional copy. The same amount is charged for certificates issued on an "international" form.

Document Name: Sterbeurkunde

Issuing Authority: Local registrar's office (Standesamt) where the death occurred.

NOTE:For former East Germany, this applies only to those civil status cases that occurred after October 2, 1990. For events occurring prior to this date, documents from this part of Germany are issued by the district office where the event occurred.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Local registrar’s office official seal, signed by the recording official/ white paper/ different formats depending on issuance date

Procedure for Obtaining: The requested certificates are usually mailed out by the registrar's office with the fees being collected on delivery. The applicant may enclose a self-addressed and stamped return envelope and use German postage stamps or a collection-only check for payment.

Alternate Documents: Auszug aus dem Sterberegister; Extract from death registration; this document is also issued by the German registration office (Standesamt) where the death was registered.

Exceptions: None

Comments: None

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Marriage

Available

Fees: There is a fee for each certificate and for any additional copy. The same amount is charged for certificates issued on an "international" form.

Document Name: Heiratsurkunde, Eheurkunde

Issuing Authority: Local registrar's office (Standesamt) where the marriage occurred.

NOTE:For former East Germany, this applies only to those civil status cases that occurred after October 2, 1990. For events occurring prior to this date, documents from this part of Germany are issued by the district office where the event occurred.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: local registrar’s office official seal, signed by the recording official/ white paper/ different formats depending on issuance date

Procedure for Obtaining: The requested certificates are usually mailed out by the registrar's office with the fees being collected on delivery. The applicant may enclose a self-addressed and stamped return envelope and use German postage stamps or a collection-only check for payment.

Alternate Documents: Auszug aus dem Heiratsregister; Extract from marriage registration; this document is also issued by the German registration office (Standesamt) where the marriage was registered.

Exceptions: None

Comments: None

Divorce Certificates

Available

Fees: administration fee (about 25 Euro)

Document Name: Scheidungsurteil, Scheidungsbeschluss

Issuing Authority: The divorce certificate can be obtained from the law court which made the decision of the dissolution of the marriage.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: official seal, signed by the official registrar/ white paper/ different formats depending on issuance date

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Judicial Official as Registrar of the Court

Registration Criteria: To be checked with issuing authority

Procedure for Obtaining: Divorce certificates can be requested at the local district court

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: The annotation about the divorce listed on the Extract from marriage registration is not acceptable.

Adoption Certificates

Available

Fees: Yes, different fees depending on the respective state

Document Name: Adoptionsbeschluss

Issuing Authority: The adoption certificates can be obtained at the law court where the adoption was finalized.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: official seal, signed by the official registrar/ white paper/ different formats depending on issuance date

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Judicial Official as Registrar of the Court

Registration Criteria: To be checked with issuing authority

Procedure for Obtaining: Adoption certificates can be obtained at the law court where the adoption was finalized

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: A certified copy of the adoption court order is sent to the German registration office (Standesamt) which notes the adoption in the extract from birth registration. A certified copy of the adoption court order can also be obtained from the family law court (Familiengericht) where the adoption was finalized.

ALL /

ALL /

Identity Card

Available

Fees: 22, 80 Euro or 28, 80 Euro depending on the age of the applicant.

Document Name: Personalausweis

Issuing Authority: Federal Republic of Germany (city or county of applicant’s current residency)

Registration Criteria: Compulsory for everyone in Germany age 16 or older to possess either an identity card or a passport

Procedure for Obtaining: Can be obtained in the registrar office of the district the person is residing.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: Not required for immigration purposes

Police, Court, Prison Records

Police Certificates

Available

Fees: The fee for every certificate of conduct is €13. Payment may be made by remission of a non-negotiable check or bank transfer to the following account of the "Bundeszentralregister" - Deutsche Bundesbank, Bonn Branch, Sort code: 380 000 00, Account no.: 380 010 05; IBAN-No.: DE24 3800 0000 0038 001005; BIC/swift-No.: MARKDEF1380. Fees charged by banks for the redemption of a (foreign) check must be added to the fee for the certificate of conduct

Registration Criteria: Once a person turns 14, they are able to request their own criminal record.

Procedure for Obtaining: The application can be made verbally by personal appearance or in simple written form to the registration authority at the following addresses mentioned below. Former residents of Germany, no longer registered in Germany, can apply for an individual record through the German Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence, or directly with the Bundeszentralregister in Bonn. The application form is available at the German Embassy/Consulate, or directly from the Generalbundesanwalt beim Bundesgerichtshof Dienststelle Bundeszentralregister. Personal appearance: Besucherservice, Adenauerallee 99-103, 53113 Bonn. Their office hours are Mondays - Wednesdays: 7:30 - 16:00; Thursdays: 7:30 - 15:30; and Fridays 7:30 - 14:00. Written requests may be sent to: Der Generalbundesanwalt beim Bundesgerichtshof, Dienststelle Bundeszentralregister, Sachgebiet BZR 32 - Internationale Rechtshilfe, 53094 Bonn.

Temporary passport: A green, hard cover booklet with machine-readable zone, fully acceptable, issued to individuals who urgently need a passport, but cannot wait the processing time needed to issue the ePass.

Diplomatic passport: A dark blue, hard cover booklet, with or without machine-readable zone.

Departmental passport (Ministerialpass): A black, hard cover booklet, issued to some higher federal and state officials, certain employees of the Foreign Office, other governmental employees on assignment abroad who do not qualify for diplomatic passports, as well as their spouses and children.

Service (official) passport (Dienstpass): A red, hard cover booklet, issued to the majority of governmental officials for official travel, with or without machine-readable zone.

Children's Passport: Similar to the new temporary passport, dark red cover passport.

Issuing Government Authority: Federal Republic of Germany (city or county of applicant’s current residency)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Please see above under document name

Procedure for Obtaining: Please contact the local registration office or citizen center (Bürgeramt) for further assistance (city or county of applicant’s current residency).

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: Children's Travel Document in Lieu of Passport (Kinderausweis): A light-green tri-fold with or without photo, issued to children under sixteen years of age. A child may have a normal passport (Reisepass). A Kinderausweis may be issued to non-FRG citizens permanently or temporarily residing in the FRG. Nationality is noted in the document. Please note this document is not acceptable for immigrant visa purposes.

Other Documents Available:

Travel Document for Recognized Refugees (Reiseausweis): A medium-blue hardcover booklet, issued in accordance with the 1951 Geneva Convention to asylees, refugees, and stateless persons who reside permanently or temporarily in the FRG. This document does not guarantee the holder an indefinite right to return to the FRG. The date until which return is guaranteed is specified in the document. (The German government also issues a Travel Document for Stateless Persons in accordance with the Geneva Convention of September 28, 1954.). The document may contain a notation (“Die Personendaten beruhen auf den eigenen Angaben des Antragstellers”) stating that the individual’s identity has not been confirmed by German authorities and that identifying information is based solely on statements made by the alien. In those instances, a consular officer should request other evidence in order to establish the applicant’s identity.

Alien's Passport (Travel Document for Foreigners and Stateless Individuals - Fremdenpass): A medium-gray hardcover booklet issued to persons who evidently do not possess a passport or passport substitute and for whom it is unreasonable to demand that they obtain such a document. The document may include a notation (“Die Personendaten beruhen auf den eigenen Angaben des Antragstellers”) stating that the individual’s identity has not been confirmed by German authorities and that identifying information is based solely on statements made by the alien. In those instances, a consular officer should request other evidence in order to establish the applicant’s identity. The alien must hold an unlimited residence permit (unbefristete Aufenthaltsgenehmigung) or a so-called "Aufenthaltserlaubnis." Possession of a limited residence permit and Fremdenpass is sufficient to serve as a passport, if the alien is a family member of a German citizen, or if he/she is the spouse or minor child of an alien who holds an unlimited residence permit. Without the accompanying unlimited residence permit, the Fremdenpass does not meet the INA 101(a)(30) definition of a valid travel document.

Procedure for Obtaining: Note: Former residents of Germany may request personal documents from the proper German authorities in writing, or authorize residents of Germany to obtain such documents on their behalf.

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.